Auditing & Quality Skills

Introduces the principles and practices of effective internal audits, using ISO 19011:2011 “Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems” as a guide to best practices. Students will learn basic auditing skills as well as auditor roles and responsibilities, and be introduced to the basic concepts of continual improvement. This course is intended for new auditors or auditors looking for a “refresher”.

An in-depth auditing course for experienced auditors, “Advanced Auditing Skills” quickly refreshes basic skills and then goes on to cover knowledge and skills required to lead an audit team. Participants will learn how to plan an audit program, select and manage an audit team, conduct opening and closing meetings, prepare audit reports and findings, and effectively identify opportunities for improvement.

Covers the Root Cause Analysis method of problem solving that focuses on identifying and correcting the root cause(s), as opposed to treating the symptoms. Participants will receive an overview of problem solving techniques and approaches, as well as detailed instruction on the different tools and techniques used as part of the Root Cause Analysis approach.

Provides participants with an understanding of what a process is and how to define it. Participants will use real life problems to learn the practical techniques required to develop Process Maps and how to use Process Mapping as a tool for process analysis and improvement.

Provides participants with a greater understanding of ISO 19011:2011 – Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems, and explores and explains the concept of the Process Approach to Auditing. Participants will learn the techniques and best practices required for auditors and organizations to use the process approach to conduct and manage internal and external management system audits.

Provides in-depth training on the skills and techniques required to participate as a member of an auditing team, and explores the topics of Risk Management and Root Cause Analysis. Auditing instruction is based on ISO 19011:2011 “Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems”. Participants also learn some of the tools and techniques used to identify, rank and manage risks, and also receive introductory instruction in Root Cause Analysis techniques for identifying the ultimate source(s) of, and solution(s) to, a problem.

Participants will learn the basics of the 8D Problem Solving technique through a combination of lecture and team exercises. Eight Discipline Problem Solving (8D) is a method pioneered by the Ford Motor Company to identify, correct and eliminate recurring problems. Particularly useful in product and process improvement, 8D focuses on identifying the root cause of a problem and establishing a permanent corrective action.

Teaches a practical approach to understanding and implementing activities to meet the Continual Improvement requirements of any Quality Management System, including the ISO 9001:2008 standard. Course material includes a basic understanding of concepts, as well as detailed instruction on the necessary structure for these activities to be successful and the methods participants can utilize to begin using their new skills immediately.

Provides an understanding of the interrelated subjects of Process Mapping, Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement. Participants will learn the practical techniques required to develop Process Maps and to use Process Mapping as a tool for process analysis and improvement within the organization. Different problem solving methodologies are introduced as a point of reference, but the focus is on specific tools and how they can be used to solve problems and drive continual improvement.

Whether as a key element of your Quality Management System, or just as a part of doing good business, monitoring and measuring customer satisfaction is critically important to the success of your organization. Planned contact with the customer can also be one of the best marketing tools or “needs determination” opportunities. This workshop emphasizes the need for everyone in the organization to have an “opportunities” mentality. It also clarifies the importance of determining what to measure, and how to go about establishing and monitoring key measurables.